I was told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was told" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to information or instructions that were communicated to you by someone else. Example: "I was told that the meeting has been rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I was told.

The New York Times

"I was told that".

The New York Times

Murder, I was told.

The New York Times

"Impossible," I was told.

The New York Times

Old age, I was told.

The New York Times

That's what I was told.

The Economist

I was told, not asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was told they did.

The New York Times

"I was told: 'You're crazy!

The New York Times

Or so I was told.

The New York Times

I was told no".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was told", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the information, if relevant. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I was told" in situations where active voice would make your writing more engaging and direct. Instead of saying "I was told the report was due tomorrow", consider "My manager said the report is due tomorrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was told" functions as an introductory phrase to relay information received from another source. It sets the stage for reporting something that was communicated, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was told" is a versatile and commonly used expression for relaying information received from another source. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, its effectiveness lies in clearly attributing information, and alternatives like "I was informed" can add a touch of formality when needed. By being mindful of potential over-reliance on passive voice and ensuring clarity of source attribution, you can leverage the phrase to enhance the credibility and transparency of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was informed

A more formal and direct synonym.

I was advised

Suggests the information came as guidance or a recommendation.

It was reported to me

More formal way of indicating that information was officially conveyed.

I received information that

Neutral and slightly more formal way to introduce the information.

It came to my attention that

Formal and emphasizes that the information is noteworthy.

I heard

Simpler and less formal way to indicate receiving information.

They said to me

Directly quotes the source of information.

I learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge.

I understand

Suggests comprehension along with receiving information.

I gathered

Implies that the information was collected from various sources.

FAQs

How can I use "I was told" in a sentence?

You can use "I was told" to introduce information you received from someone else. For example, "I was told the meeting was cancelled" or "I was told to bring my ID".

What are some alternatives to "I was told"?

Some alternatives include "I was informed", "I heard", "I learned", or "It was reported to me", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to identify who told me something when using "I was told"?

While not always necessary, identifying the source can add credibility to your statement. If the source is relevant to the context or adds weight to the information, it's best to include it. For example, "My doctor told me" is more credible than simply saying "I was told".

What's the difference between "I was told" and "I was informed"?

"I was told" is a general way of indicating you received information. "I was informed" is more formal and often suggests that the information was officially communicated. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but "I was informed" might be preferred in professional settings.